Jane Marie Stauffer was the second of four children that were born to John and Ruth Marie Stalder Stauffer. She was born on December 10, 1952, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Jane attended WACO Community Schools where she graduated from high school in Olds, Iowa, with the Class of 1971. Jane was valedictorian of her class. She then enrolled at Central College in Pella, Iowa and while attending Central, Jane met Gerald Thomas Snyder as he was cruising around the town square on his motorcycle. On June 8, 1973, they were united in marriage at St. James Catholic Church in Washington, Iowa. Jane graduated Magna Cum Laude from Central College in 1975 with a major in elementary education. Following her graduation she became the mother of four children: Pamela Jo who was born April 15, 1974, Kelly Marie on April 18, 1977, Grant Everett on February 6, 1980 and Jaci Lynn on September 7, 1981. Jane was a devoted homemaker and did substitute teaching. After the children were grown she began working at Precision Pulley and Idler in the shipping department in 1990. Jane was a dedicated employee of Precision Pulley for 18 years and was employed in the accounting department at the time of her untimely death. On Saturday afternoon, May 9, 2009, she passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella at the age of just 56 years, 4 months and 29 days. Those who are mourning her loss are her husband, Gary; their three daughters and their husbands and their son: Pamela and Bryce Biklen of West Des Moines, Iowa, Kelly and Jay Bickford of Wellman, Iowa, Grant Snyder and his fiancé, Laura Pace of Des Moines, Iowa, Jaci and Aaron Vander Meiden of Pella; five grandchildren: Zachary Cole Biklen, Molly Grace Biklen, Samuel Holden Bickford, Emma Jane Bickford, and Hannah Elizabeth Vander Meiden. Jane leaves her mother, Ruth Stauffer of Wayland, Iowa; two brothers and their wives: John L. and Rachael Stauffer of Wayland, Mark and Diana Stauffer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; her sister, Marcia and her husband, Donald Slycord of Pella; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James and Kathy Snyder of Augusta, Georgia; several nieces and nephews and cousins and numerous friends. She was preceded in death by her father, John Stauffer, who passed away December 20, 2000. Jane was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pella where she had taught education classes and Bible School. She was an avid picture taker, a good baker, and enjoyed gardening and quilting. Jane was well known to family and friends for her selfless acts of kindness, unmatched generosity, unconditional love of life and heart of gold. She loved being with friends and family and her grandchildren were her pride and joy.


The family has designated Hospice of Pella Comfort House for memorial contributions.

Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home